PETALING JAYA: One year is coming to an end and a new one is around the corner. We can look forward to more new car models making their way into Malaysia, and many are increasingly electrified or pure electric vehicles (EVs). The diversity and competition is exciting - at least for the end consumers who will have more options to choose from.
The year 2025 is expected to be a period when EVs will start to go mainstream with the cheapest EV to be released by Perodua set to make waves. Perhaps, even bigger waves than the just-launched Proton e.MAS 7 electric SUV, which is priced above RM100,000, limiting its appeal to those with deeper pockets.
For companies selling EVs, they operate with the knowledge that tax incentives for fully imported EVs will expire at the end of 2025 — unless extended.
Below are 10 cars that are poised to show up or arrive on our shores in 2025.
The Perodua EV is expected to launch in 2025, priced at between RM50,000 and RM90,000.
It promises a range of over 400km and a 0-to-100kph acceleration time of between six and seven seconds.
Charging times are expected to be around 30 minutes using direct current fast charging and eight hours with alternating current chargers.
Perodua EV batteries will use lithium iron phosphate or LFP technology supplied by China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd (CATL).
The EV will be produced at a new manufacturing facility dedicated to EVs, and production volume would be set at 500 units per month.
The first Malaysian car is set for big changes. Proton is already wielding the knife on its most iconic car in a move to modernise and make it more competitive.
It will see a design overhaul both on the inside and exterior. Meanwhile, Proton also has to balance the costs with the pricing to ensure the Saga still remains a budget-friendly car.
It's speculated that the Saga will enter its fourth generation as a bigger car riding on its own conceived A-segment modular platform that is unrelated to what is available from the Geely parts bin. As with the S70, it could sport tail lights joined together by a light bar as is the trend nowadays.
Other than new grille and other requisite bodywork changes, the cabin could sport an improved infotainment screen and the addition of Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS). A new 1.5-litre NA engine paired with a CVT for fuel efficiency is also rumoured to be part of the new deal for the Saga.
Jetour, a brand under Chery, is set to introduce its Dashing SUV in Malaysia by the first quarter of 2025. The Dashing is expected to be assembled locally for a more competitive pricing.
Thrust comes from a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that reels out 154hp and 230Nm of torque, relayed to the front wheels via a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The Dashing comes with advanced features, including a 10.25-inch digital display, a 10.25-inch infotainment system, and driver-assistance technologies.
Deepal S05
Bermaz Auto Bhd is likely to ship in the Deepal S05 compact SUV with estimated prices at RM100,000 to RM150,000.
In China, the Deepal S05 is fitted with a 175kW rear electric motor that produces 320Nm of torque, and a 56kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack.
The SUV can deliver a 510km driving range (China light-duty vehicle test cycle or CLTC).
Bermaz Auto Bhd is also slated to deploy the Deepal S07 mid-size SUV with estimated prices at RM150,000 to RM200,000.
In Thailand, the rear-wheel drive Deepal S07 comes in two variants - a base 67kWh Ternary Lithium (NMC) battery pack that's good for 485km (NEDC) priced at 1.4 million baht (RM180,000) and a longer range 80kWh Ternary Lithium (NMC) battery pack that's good for 560km (NEDC) priced at 1.5 million baht (RM193,000).
Jaecoo Malaysia aims to roll out a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant of its J7 sports utility vehicle (SUV).
The company will bring in front-wheel-drive (2WD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) versions - just like the petrol-powered J7.
Power for the J7 PHEV comes from a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to a dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) with an electric motor at the front axle.
The combined system's output generates a potent 347PS and 525Nm of torque.
The J7 PHEV can provide up to 105km of all-electric driving range on a full charge.
With a 60-litre fuel tank and a fully charged 18.3kWh lithium iron phosphate battery (LFP), hybrid driving range is estimated around 1,300km.
Great Wall Motor (GWM) Tank 500 is a rugged yet luxurious seven-seater SUV, measuring 5,078mm (length), 1,934mm (width), and 1,905mm (height), with a 2,850mm wheelbase.
Powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged hybrid engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, it delivers 342PS/337hp and 648Nm of torque.
It features 11 driving modes, Tank Turn, and Off-road Cruise Control for superior performance across terrains.
With a high 36.9-degree approach angle, the SUV blends off-road capability with urban refinement.
Great Wall Motor (GWM) Malaysia will also offer the Wey 80, a premium seven-seater plug-in hybrid MPV.
It is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine mated to a DHT (dedicated hybrid transmission), and delivers an impressive combined 487PS and torque of 762Nm.
With a 37.96kWh battery, it can deliver up to 150km of all-electric range (CLTC).
The MPV measures 5,045mm (length), 1,960mm (width), and 1,900mm (height), with a 3,085mm wheelbase, ensuring spacious comfort.
Features include premium leather zero-gravity seats, foldable workstation tables, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
Zeekr 7X
The Zeekr 7X SUV is set to expand the brand's range, come 2025, making it the third model in its local line-up following the launch of the 009 and X last month.
It's another delectable electric SUV that comes in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive formats, packed with either a 75kWh or 100kWh battery and 310kW (416hp) motors for an impressive set of specs.
Range is up to 780km, and the top model variant delivers 475kW/637hp and 710Nm of torque for a 0-100kph sprint time of 3.8 seconds.
Measuring 4,825 mm long and 1,930 mm wide, the 7X is based on an 800V architecture, enabling rapid DC fast charging capabilities. It gets advanced driver assistance systems, and luxurious interior amenities including massaging seats and a powerful audio system. Air suspension in the AWD variant ups the plush ride.
Zeekr, a Geely sub-brand, is aiming the 7X at the likes of BYD Sealion 7 and Tesla Model Y.
The Civic is a refreshed model that could possibly be the first new car to launch at the start of the new year. Now in its 11th generation, the facelift features a redesigned front bumper with a more pronounced lower section and a hexagonal honeycomb grille, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
Notably, the e:HEV RS variant will introduce new 18-inch matte grey alloy wheels, while the petrol variants will retain their existing wheel designs.
Honda will leave the 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre engine untouched.
Cabin changes are expected to be mild, possibly with enhancements such as a new nine-inch touchscreen supporting wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. All variants will include Honda's Sensing suite of driver assistance systems, ensuring safety and convenience.
Pricing is anticipated to remain close to that of the pre-facelift model.
